2013

2013 Business of Clean Energy in Alaska

The 2013 Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference has come to an end and we are happy to report that this year’s event was a great success! Leaders from across Alaska gathered in Anchorage for two days to hear about the growing economic opportunities related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in Alaska. Top energy experts traveled from around the country and the world to participate in facilitated discussions on topics like international clean energy markets, the role of Alaska’s Native corporations in the clean energy development space, Alaska’s regulatory environment and building the workforce of the future. Additionally, Keynote speakers included:

May 2nd Keynote – Jennifer Granholm, Former Governor of Michigan

May 2nd Keynote – Richard Heinberg, Post Carbon Institute

Panel 1 – The World Around Us: International Clean Energy Markets

Many countries have aggressive clean energy policies that are putting them at the forefront of this growing industry. Nations like China and Germany are leaders in investment and deployment of renewables. This moderated discussion will feature experts on Asia and Europe with a focus on how Alaska can develop a policy that will catalyze greater clean energy development across the state.

Panel 2 – Energy Efficiency: Alaska’s “First Fuel”

Buildings account for nearly 40% of all energy use in the United States. In Alaska, heating and lighting bills are steadily increasing, with potentially severe consequences for our economy. Though Alaska has developed numerous programs to make buildings more energy efficient, the state has barely begun to tap the huge cost savings and job creation potential that exists. These panelists will take a look at some of the innovative construction techniques already being deployed in Alaska, and discuss what other leaders in the built environment are doing around the world to save energy and keep money in local economies.

Panel 3 – Bringing Renewables into the Grid: How Utilities and Independent Power Producers Can Work Together

The Railbelt and Southeast Alaska have been served for decades by public utility companies on grids owned by both the State of Alaska and the companies themselves. Today, an increasing number of independent power producers (IPPs) are proposing to develop renewable energy for sale into these grids. Questions remain on what kind of market rules and transmission access will allow this development. This moderated discussion will include perspectives from the State of Alaska, IPPs and Railbelt utilities.

Alaskan Native corporations are some of the largest and most successful businesses in the state. Several have recently begun investing in renewable energy development. This moderated discussion will feature representatives from regional corporations and non-profits discussing why clean energy is an attractive investment, and how future projects might be financed.

Panel 5 – Bringing Private Investment Dollars to Alaska

Alaska has vast renewable energy resources, yet Alaskans pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Clean energy projects can produce an excellent return on investment, but how can Alaskans attract private investors to the state? This moderated discussion will examine ways that projects across the state and the country are being financed.

Panel 6 – Building the Workforce of the Future

An educated populace and skilled workforce are essential to support the growth of any industry. This moderated panel will bring together labor and education experts to discuss innovative programs and policies being used in Alaska and across the country, and what Alaska needs to do to ensure Alaskans know where their energy comes from and are prepared for the clean energy jobs of the future.

Panel 7 – Alaska’s Clean Energy Market Opportunities

Due to Alaska’s small population and lack of connection to Canada or the Lower 48, our supply of clean energy far outweighs our domestic demand. This moderated panel will discuss some of the ways Alaskans could utilize the State’s vast supply of stranded renewable energy resources, optimize our small-scale distributed energy systems, and create jobs and strengthen the State’s economy in the process.